Driving in Australia on a Foreign Language Licence, while on a Temporary Visa.
In Australia, laws and driving regulations differ from state to state. Some states require you to carry an International Licence with your current foreign licence. Other states request you carry your current foreign driver’s licence together with a formal translation of your licence into English.
In most Australian states and territories (the exception is the Northern Territory), you are able to drive on a overseas licence as long as it is current. You can only drive vehicles which your overseas licence authorises you to drive and you must drive according to any conditions on your overseas licence.
Australian Capital Territory. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
If you are an overseas licence holder and you drive in the ACT you must carry:
- your international driving permit accompanied by your foreign driver licence; or,
- your foreign driver licence that is not in English accompanied by an official English translation of the licence.
New South Wales. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
If your overseas licence or confirmation letter is not written in English, you must provide an official translation. Translations obtained through non accredited options are not acceptable.
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/…/Internationaldriversandriders
Northern Territory. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
You can drive on your interstate or overseas licence in the Northern Territory (NT) for up to three months.
If your overseas licence is in a language other than English, and the type of vehicle you are authorised to drive cannot be easily recognised, you will also need to carry an International Driving Permit.
nt.gov.au/driving/licences
Queensland. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry a recognised English translation of it when you are driving. You should show this translation to police when you have to show your driver licence. https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving
South Australia. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
You will need either one of these:
a current licence issued in another country that is written in English
a current licence with an English translation if necessary or an international driver’s licence.
www.sa.gov.au/…/driving-with-an-overseas-licence
Tasmania. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
You can drive in Tasmania on your overseas licence if you are a visitor OR have a temporary visa
If it is not in English you must also carry an International Drivers Permit or an official translation.
www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing
Victoria. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
If you hold a temporary visa:
you can drive using your current overseas driver licence for the length of your stay
your driver licence must be written in English or accompanied by an English translation or international driving permit.
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/…/overseas-drivers
Western Australia. Driving on a Foreign Language Licence.
If your overseas licence is not in English, you must carry an international driving permit or an approved English translation of your licence with you when you drive.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/